Unsigned VMkernel modules in ESXi 7.x and ESXi 8.x

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article provides information on the signed and unsigned VMkernel modules in ESXi 7.x and ESXi 8.x

Environment

VMware ESXi Server 7.x

VMware ESXi Server 8.x

Resolution

Starting with vSphere 5.x, individual modules cannot be signed in.Signing in is handled on the VIB level and unsigned modules exist.

To check the acceptance level for an installed VIB:

• Run this esxcli command:
  
  esxcli software vib list
  
  Note: This command displays all VIBs installed on your ESXi host.
   
• You see output similar to:
  
  Name Version Vendor Acceptance Level Install Date
------------------- -------------------------- ------ ---------------- ------------
cisco-vem-v162-esx 4.2.1.2.2.1a.0-3.2.1 Cisco PartnerSupported 2014-01-01
net-enic 2.1.2.38-1OEM.550.0.0.1198611 Cisco VMwareCertified 2014-01-13
sata-xahci 1.6-1 VFrontDe CommunitySupported 2014-01-01
ata-pata-amd 0.3.10-3vmw.550.0.0.1331820 VMware VMwareCertified 2014-01-01
ata-pata-atiixp 0.4.6-4vmw.550.0.0.1331820 VMware VMwareCertified 2014-01-01
ata-pata-cmd64x 0.2.5-3vmw.550.0.0.1331820 VMware VMwareCertified 2014-01-01
ata-pata-hpt3x2n 0.3.4-3vmw.550.0.0.1331820 VMware VMwareCertified 2014-01-01
  
  
  Note: For more information on VIB acceptance level in the vSphere Documentation Center, see https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vsphere/vsphere/8-0/acceptance-levels-for-vibs-install.html